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FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Rangers chief executive Charles Green has warned manager Ally McCoist that performances on the pitch need to improve, but that he will free up funds for transfers once the club's embargo is lifted in September. (The Star)

Green has also threatened to ban Rangers fans for sectarian singing, as the club faces a lifetime ban from European football if it continues. (The Mail)

Meanwhile Green insists the recent clashes with Rangers chairman Malcolm Murray have been nothing more than a domestic squabble. (The Scotsman)

Dundee United chairman Steven Thompson has confirmed the Scottish Premier League will not appeal against Lord Nimmo Smith's ruling on Rangers failing to disclose side-letter payments to players through an Employee Benefit Trust scheme. (The Scotsman)

Thompson also believes league reconstruction must come into effect for the start of next season or it will be years before the chance to shake up Scottish football comes around again. (The Herald)

Hearts' future has been plunged into doubt after Vladimir Romanov stood down from UBIG, the consortium that owns the Edinburgh club. (The Star)

Tynecastle midfielder Ryan Stevenson admits winning the League Cup might not make up for the shame of Hearts' poor SPL campaign this season. (The Star)

Celtic full-back Mikael Lustig has warned his team-mates that they cannot afford to go all-out attack as they try to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Juventus in Ital on Wednesday. (The Star)

Rangers are keen to sign up Motherwell's Nicky Law on a pre-contract agreement in time for next season. (The Sun)

Dundee United hitman Johnny Russell will be out for at least six weeks with a broken leg. (The Sun)